Temporary ban on imports of US birds

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and its products from the United States following the outbreak of a virus in the area.

In Memorandum Order 03 issued by the Office of the Secretary,  the DA has imposed a ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds including poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs, and semen from Dubois County in Indiana, USA.

Based on the report submitted to the World Organization for Animal Health, there was an outbreak of H7N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in Dubois County which affects commercial turkey flock.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala issued an immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance to the said commodities.

Alcala said there would be stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of the commodities (with the exception of heat treated products) into the Philippines by all DA veterinary quarantine officers at all major ports.

Meanwhile, frozen poultry meat with slaughter and process date of 21 days prior to the HPAI outbreak are allowed to enter the country but is subject to quarantine rules and regulations.